February Artwalk: Valentines, Mardi Gras and rockin’ docs

Joan Lussier, left, and Shari Wilson talk with artist Margaret Watts about her work during a First Friday Artwalk in 2010.

Alan Youngblood/Staff photographer/File

By Kathy MancilCorrespondent

Published: Thursday, January 31, 2013 at 6:30 a.m.

Last Modified: Tuesday, January 29, 2013 at 10:44 a.m.

Amid all the art and color decorating downtown Ocala on Friday, "Ocala's favorite doctors" plan to occupy the square.

That is to say, classic-rock band Nite Call — consisting of local medical professionals — will perform as part the First Friday Artwalk, the city's monthly celebration of visual and performing arts, not to mention downtown itself.

The popular "rockin' docs" are scheduled to perform from 7:30 to 9 p.m., said Melissa Townsend, the city's community cultural arts manager. The concert and surrounding art stroll are free.

And that's only a portion of the performances accenting the evening's main attraction: visual art.

Every first Friday night of the month, from September through May, downtown is abuzz with one particular theme. Except for February. Townsend said this Friday's art party is actually multi-themed.

Most of the downtown merchants and 45-plus artists are going with a Valentine's Day theme. But at Artist-Alley, a studio off Fort King Street near Citizens' Circle, the theme is Mardi-Gras.

And, yes, the party will involve plenty of bead necklaces.

As usual, Townsend said, the artwalk will showcase local artists working in many mediums and appealing to many tastes. For example, fine acrylic paintings by Mel Fiorentino will be on display in front of the Melting Pot.

Fiorentino said she loves painting big — on canvases measuring about 3 by 4 feet.

"It impacts people more when they see something big happening," she contends.

She doesn't usually know what, exactly, she'll paint each month, she said. That is, until the day arrives. For February, she may start with a red wash and do something "lovey-dovey."

Artist Sarah Kantz, however, offers art of a more whimsical nature. She sketches caricature drawings of people.

Previously employed as a caricature artist at Disney World, Kantz typically gets a good response from clients, she said, because "it's like a cute cartoon drawing, you know, in a flattering sense. It's just fun and lighthearted and it's nice that while I draw, I sit and chat with them. I've met a lot of really nice people at the artwalks."

The FAFO gallery, northeast of the downtown square, will offer interactive art for children. Kids of all ages are invited to drop by the gallery and make hand-crafted valentine cards, Townsend said. She said she'd like to see more "hands-on" art offered.

December's gingerbread-house project was a perfect example, she said. Hosted by Habitat for Humanity and the Downtown Business Alliance, the activity offered children the chance to paint life-sized gingerbread houses. It attracted hundreds of families and children to the artwalk.

So far this season, though, the artwalks have seen a "significant increase" in attendance, she noted, but the numbers vary widely each time, especially depending on the weather. The artwalk was revamped for this season, as organizers added performers and additional artists.

"This is a rain-or-shine event, and the artists plan to be there, no matter the weather," Townsend said.

One downtown merchant, Kerryann

Terrelonge, co-owner of Ocala's Chocolate and Confections, said the monthly events have been successful in attracting more folks downtown, but she'd like to see even more.

"Make an evening out of it," she recommends. "Take a half hour and go look at the art. But then go have dinner or watch a movie and stop by here for dessert."

Terrelonge said she'd like to see downtown Ocala become a destination for people from surrounding counties.

"Don't drive an hour somewhere else for your date," she said. "Let them find out about us and want to come here."

The theme for March's artwalk, Townsend noted, is vintage, and will include a classic car show.

Anyone who wants to participate should call 401-3900, or email Townsend at mtownsend@Ocalafl.org

For more information or to print an event map, go to the First Friday Artwalk of Downtown Ocala's Facebook page.

<p>Amid all the art and color decorating downtown Ocala on Friday, "Ocala's favorite doctors" plan to occupy the square.</p><p>That is to say, classic-rock band Nite Call — consisting of local medical professionals — will perform as part the First Friday Artwalk, the city's monthly celebration of visual and performing arts, not to mention downtown itself.</p><p>The popular "rockin' docs" are scheduled to perform from 7:30 to 9 p.m., said Melissa Townsend, the city's community cultural arts manager. The concert and surrounding art stroll are free.</p><p>Before Nite Call goes on, USA Dance Ocala will present a ballroom dance exhibition from 6 to 7:15 p.m. on the square — with, Townsend noted, audience participation encouraged.</p><p>And that's only a portion of the performances accenting the evening's main attraction: visual art.</p><p>Every first Friday night of the month, from September through May, downtown is abuzz with one particular theme. Except for February. Townsend said this Friday's art party is actually multi-themed.</p><p>Most of the downtown merchants and 45-plus artists are going with a Valentine's Day theme. But at Artist-Alley, a studio off Fort King Street near Citizens' Circle, the theme is Mardi-Gras.</p><p>And, yes, the party will involve plenty of bead necklaces.</p><p>As usual, Townsend said, the artwalk will showcase local artists working in many mediums and appealing to many tastes. For example, fine acrylic paintings by Mel Fiorentino will be on display in front of the Melting Pot.</p><p>"You can't miss her," said Townsend, noting Fiorentino paints live during the monthly event.</p><p>Fiorentino said she loves painting big — on canvases measuring about 3 by 4 feet.</p><p>"It impacts people more when they see something big happening," she contends.</p><p>She doesn't usually know what, exactly, she'll paint each month, she said. That is, until the day arrives. For February, she may start with a red wash and do something "lovey-dovey."</p><p>Artist Sarah Kantz, however, offers art of a more whimsical nature. She sketches caricature drawings of people.</p><p>Previously employed as a caricature artist at Disney World, Kantz typically gets a good response from clients, she said, because "it's like a cute cartoon drawing, you know, in a flattering sense. It's just fun and lighthearted and it's nice that while I draw, I sit and chat with them. I've met a lot of really nice people at the artwalks."</p><p>The FAFO gallery, northeast of the downtown square, will offer interactive art for children. Kids of all ages are invited to drop by the gallery and make hand-crafted valentine cards, Townsend said. She said she'd like to see more "hands-on" art offered.</p><p>December's gingerbread-house project was a perfect example, she said. Hosted by Habitat for Humanity and the Downtown Business Alliance, the activity offered children the chance to paint life-sized gingerbread houses. It attracted hundreds of families and children to the artwalk.</p><p>But, then, January's event saw very low attendance. Townsend attributed it to cold and misty weather.</p><p>So far this season, though, the artwalks have seen a "significant increase" in attendance, she noted, but the numbers vary widely each time, especially depending on the weather. The artwalk was revamped for this season, as organizers added performers and additional artists. </p><p>"This is a rain-or-shine event, and the artists plan to be there, no matter the weather," Townsend said.</p><p>One downtown merchant, Kerryann</p><p>Terrelonge, co-owner of Ocala's Chocolate and Confections, said the monthly events have been successful in attracting more folks downtown, but she'd like to see even more.</p><p>"Make an evening out of it," she recommends. "Take a half hour and go look at the art. But then go have dinner or watch a movie and stop by here for dessert."</p><p>Terrelonge said she'd like to see downtown Ocala become a destination for people from surrounding counties.</p><p>"Don't drive an hour somewhere else for your date," she said. "Let them find out about us and want to come here."</p><p>The theme for March's artwalk, Townsend noted, is vintage, and will include a classic car show.</p><p>Anyone who wants to participate should call 401-3900, or email Townsend at mtownsend@Ocalafl.org</p><p>For more information or to print an event map, go to the First Friday Artwalk of Downtown Ocala's Facebook page.</p>